By Edwin B. Smith

University of Mississippi

‘Tis the season to be good and not naughty. It’s time to add a little “ho-ho-ho!” to your “Hotty Toddy.”

Donations for the 20th annual Books and Bears program are being accepted through Dec. 14. Toys and books received by then will be given away Dec. 15 to children of UM Department of Facilities Management and custodial employees.

The distribution will take place at the Gertrude Ford Ballroom at The Inn at Ole Miss. Distribution will start with two books, two bears, one toy and one game in the first round.

Drop-offs can be made at the following locations: third floor of the Khayat Law Center; Graduate School; second floor of Vardaman Hall; first Floor of Ventress Hall; the Office of the Provost in the Lyceum; Howry Hall, Room 308; Hume Hall, Room 305; Farley Hall; the Career Center on the third floor of Martindale Hall; Luckyday Residential College; Department of History in Bishop Hall, Room 310; Lenoir Hall; first floor of Summerville Hall; the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement in Stewart Hall; the Department of English in Bondurant Hall, Room C135; the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education at the Jackson Avenue Center and the first floor of Powers Hall.

“Special thanks go to Kat and Margaret King for their monetary donation of $300 and to Facilities Management for their monetary donation of $654.58,” said Jacqueline Certion, coordinator of enrollment and advising in the Foundations for Academic Success Track Program. “Ole Miss athletics will collect items on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. during the men’s basketball game.”

Emails have been sent to Greek Life, student organizations and first-year students to encourage a stronger participation.

“We are looking forward to an amazing celebration this year,” said Donald Cole, associate provost and assistant to the chancellor for multicultural affairs. “Thank you for having a big, big caring heart and a burning desire to be a blessing to others in your UM family as we enter the holiday season!”

So, be a Santa and not a Scrooge this Christmas. While you’re rushing out to Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R Us, Target or wherever you do your Christmas shopping, pick up an extra bike, doll, teddy bear, computer or board game or book (or two).

Knowing that some child’s Christmas morning will be a lot brighter because you cared enough to support the Bears and Books program should make you feel really good.